1988 V20 Transom
 

Hi,

I am going to look at a 1988 V20. I recently purchased a 1977. I love the boat just needs a little more work than I have the skill to put into it. The ad says that the transom was just professionally replaced last year. Is there something in particular that I need to check out when I check this boat out. I just don't want to buy a dud.

Thanks,
Pam

Raise the engine. Then press down on the lower unit with all your weight while looking at the transom. If it flexes it's bad. No flex is good. Take a rubber mallet and smack the transom all over. A soft transom will make a different sound (like a thud) then a solid one.

Walk all over the deck feeling for soft spots with your feet. Again, no flex is good.

Walk all over the front above the cuddy cabin (assuming that it's a cuddy cabin), again checking for flexing.

(A flexing deck is a sign of rotted wood under the deck or rotted stringers). Either one may be more than you want to handle.

Big question would be, why did someone spend the money to get a rebuild and then sell so soon.

Find out who did the work and look into their reputation

Also take lots of pictures and post here, there are some pretty sharp eyes on here